Media Release by The Hon Christian Porter MP

Action Plan commits to drive change for Australia’s children

Federal, state and territory governments and the community sector have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Australia’s children through the Third Action Plan of the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-20.

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, launched the plan at the Play Caf? Supported Playgroup at The Entrance, New South Wales along with $2.6 million per year of Commonwealth funding for projects under the plan.

“It is vital we do everything we can to improve the safety, wellbeing and health of our children,” said Mr Porter.

“Through this plan we aim to get better information to parents about the first 1000 days of a child’s life and why they are so important.

“This includes providing practical advice to expectant parents to get them ready for the responsibilities ahead of them, advice to new parents about how to support their child’s development and where to go to get help.

A number of projects will be funded in local communities, such as:

  • Providing additional information to parents about early child development and the support available where take up of services is low;
  • Working with the Indigenous community to determine the best way of helping families get the information they need to support their children; and
  • Intensive case management support for young people leaving foster care and other forms of out-of-home care as they move to adulthood.

The plan will also improve the way services respond to families with multiple problems, such as managing drug, alcohol and mental health issues or family violence.

“We will help services in areas of high need to better work together to protect children,” said Mr Porter.

“This will complement the $100 million the Commonwealth Government recently announced under the Women’s Safety Package.”

The Third Action Plan will continue the achievements from the previous two plans, which includes setting up Australia’s first National Standards for out-of-home care for children and young people, and the appointment of Ms Megan Mitchell as the first National Children’s Commissioner.

To find out more about the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children, go to www.dss.gov.au/protectingaustraliaschildren